By Dumisani Ndlovu
Gweru, Zimbabwe – The streets of Gweru’s Central Business District (CBD) and Harare were eerily quiet today, Monday, March 31, 2025, as fears of a planned protest loomed large. The unusual calm was a stark contrast to the typical bustle of the city, with many residents choosing to stay indoors amid concerns of potential unrest.
The planned protest, called by Blessed Geza, a war veteran and fugitive, aims to rally those opposed to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.Geza, who gained notoriety during the country’s liberation struggle, has become a polarizing figure in Zimbabwean politics. His call for action has ignited fears among many, particularly in a nation with a notorious history of police brutality against demonstrators.
As the sun rose over Gweru, the city appeared to hold its breath.Shops that would usually be teeming with customers remained shuttered, with notable closures including Edgars, TV Sales, Phones and Accessories shops, City Hardware, Hairmart, and Golden Liquor Rama. Even Kudzanayi Terminus, known as a hive of activity, was almost deserted. A few vendors who dared to set up were met with threats via WhatsApp groups warning them of dire consequences for staying open.
“We came here because, as you know, this terminus is now owned by a member of the first family. We received threats that whoever fails to open will lose their place of operation,” one vendor, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, explained.
Despite the widespread closures, larger chains such as OK and Pick n Pay, along with various food outlets, remained operational.However, even these establishments seemed to operate under a shadow of uncertainty, their customers fewer than usual. The fear of potential violence had stifled the vibrant economic activity that characterizes Gweru’s streets.
Political experts are closely monitoring the situation, with analysts like Takura Zhangazha weighing in on the implications of the planned protest. Zhangazha emphasized that the government’s response would be pivotal in determining whether the demonstration would gain traction. “If the authorities choose to adopt a heavy-handed approach, it could escalate tensions further and provoke more widespread unrest. Conversely, a restrained response might allow the protesters to voice their grievances without significant backlash,” he said.
As night falls, the atmosphere in Gweru remains one of palpable tension. Reports from various neighborhoods suggest that police presence has been heightened, especially near strategic locations such as the old prison complex and Zanu PF offices. While the government insists on maintaining order, the specter of past incidents of violence looms large in the minds of Gweru’s citizens.
Residents have expressed mixed feelings about the protest. Some oppose President Mnangagwa’s policies and feel compelled to join the demonstration, while others fear the repercussions of expressing dissent.“We want change, but we also want to be safe.There’s a lot at stake,” said a local resident who chose to remain anonymous.
The uncertainty surrounding the protest has led to an unusual stillness in the city. Even the usually busy streets of Gweru, known for their vibrant commerce and social interactions, have succumbed to a sense of foreboding. Many have opted to stay indoors, glued to their devices for updates on the situation.
As the day progresses, the question remains: will the planned protest materialize, or will the government’s efforts to maintain order prevail? Gweru’s residents are left anxiously awaiting answers, caught between the desire for change and the fear of chaos.
In a country where the stakes are high, the outcome of this planned protest could have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s political landscape. As the sun sets on Gweru, only time will tell whether the power of the people will rise against an oppressive regime, or if fear will continue to stifle dissent in the streets of this once vibrant city.
With the clock ticking down to the scheduled time of the protest, all eyes are on Gweru, where the silence is deafening and the air is thick with anticipation.
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